PDEA chief resigns; ex-cop takes over

By Anthony Taberna, ABS-CBN News

MANILA (UPDATED) - Former Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr., until recently the police agency’s second most senior official, has confirmed to ABS-CBN News that he took his oath as chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday afternoon.

Malacañang also confirmed the news.

Cacdac's oath was administered by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. Cacdac was with his wife, two daughters and son. He opted for an early retirement from the PNP last September.

He replaces PDEA chief Jose Gutierrez Jr., who has been embroiled in controversies such as alleged extortion of millions of pesos from an alleged drug lord.

In a text message, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Gutierrez resigned from his post.

“We further confirm that the President has appointed Arturo G. Cacdac, Jr. to the post and has taken his oath before Executive Secretary Ochoa today. We have no further details.”